Which MH Bulb, and Why?

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by ZachB, Aug 3, 2009.

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  1. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    I'm trying to decide which new bulbs to get for my Odyssea unit. I see lots of different threads discussing this, but for sake of having a current thread and ease of sorting through everything, I just want to see if I can consolidate this into one easy to read thread.

    Which brand Metal Halide bulb are you running currently?

    How many watts, and what depth is your tank?

    Why did you choose that particular bulb?

    What kind of corals do you keep predominantly?

    Thanks!
     
    ZachB, Aug 3, 2009
    ZachB, Aug 3, 2009
    #1

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  2. Crimson Ghost

    Crimson Ghost Blue Ringed Angel

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    Which brand Metal Halide bulb are you running currently?

    I am using XM's currently

    How many watts, and what depth is your tank?

    three 250 watt HQI MH's

    Why did you choose that particular bulb?

    Used them in the past, nice crisp light that does not yellow after 6 months -- my main complaint with other bulbs.

    What kind of corals do you keep predominantly?

    complete mixture.
     
    Crimson Ghost, Aug 3, 2009
    Crimson Ghost, Aug 3, 2009
    #2
  3. Daniel072

    Daniel072 Giant Squid

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    if it is a 250 watt unit, you are probably going to have to go with odyssea bulbs. Their ballast is too weak to fire most high end bulbs. From what I have read, they are actually pushing closer to 175 watts
     
    Daniel072, Aug 3, 2009
    Daniel072, Aug 3, 2009
    #3
  4. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    Most people I have seen are able to run any other bulbs with the stock ballasts, they simply aren't as bright.

    http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/icecap-blue-life-vs-odyssea-61218.html

    Case in point here - the SPS bulb fires on the Odyssea ballast, it simply is not as bright.
     
    ZachB, Aug 3, 2009
    ZachB, Aug 3, 2009
    #4
  5. ~B~Low~HighTide

    ~B~Low~HighTide Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    XM's fire fine and you can upgrade the ballest to a ARO 250watt to run almost any bulb over the sea.

    Some decent ballst.
    Metal Halide Ballasts - Electronic
     
    ~B~Low~HighTide, Aug 3, 2009
    ~B~Low~HighTide, Aug 3, 2009
    #5
  6. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    Anyone else? I'd really like to see what mixture of MH bulbs people here run with their recommendations and specs.
     
    ZachB, Aug 3, 2009
    ZachB, Aug 3, 2009
    #6

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  7. vegasfish

    vegasfish Feather Star

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    Which brand Metal Halide bulb are you running currently?

    Phoenix

    How many watts, and what depth is your tank?

    four 250 watt / 24' depth

    Why did you choose that particular bulb?

    I wanted a slight blue to the water and they are just perfect for me.

    What kind of corals do you keep predominantly?

    Mixture.
     
    vegasfish, Aug 3, 2009
    vegasfish, Aug 3, 2009
    #7
    1 person likes this.
  8. tatted4ever

    tatted4ever Clown Trigger

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    Which brand Metal Halide bulb are you running currently?
    Phoenix 14k's 8)

    How many watts, and what depth is your tank?
    2 double ended 250w on a 90gal which is 24" deep

    Why did you choose that particular bulb?
    Not a pricey bulb. More importantly heard good things, love the blue color they emit, and have good results from them.

    What kind of corals do you keep predominantly?
    SPS dominated ;D
     
    tatted4ever, Aug 3, 2009
    tatted4ever, Aug 3, 2009
    #8
    1 person likes this.
  9. ZachB

    ZachB Giant Squid

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    bump
     
    ZachB, Aug 4, 2009
    ZachB, Aug 4, 2009
    #9
  10. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    yes sir.
     
    ReefSparky, Aug 4, 2009
    ReefSparky, Aug 4, 2009
    #10
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